transmission

Question 1

what are neurons

Answer 1

the building block of the central nervous system
- responsible for receiving, processing and transmitting information throughout the body

Question 2

how many neurons are there in the human brain

Answer 2

86 billion

Question 3

what are neurons responsible for

Answer 3

cognition, sensory processing, motor control, coordination, reflexes, heartbeat regulation, breathing, decision making

Question 4

what are neurotransmitters

Answer 4

chemical messages that transmit signals between neurons to other neurons across a synaptic cleft

Question 5

what are the classic neurotransmitters

Answer 5

• dopamine - amphetamines, cocaine
• noradrenaline - amphetamines, cocaine
• serotonin - ecstasy
• acetylcholine - nicotine

Question 6

what is an Agonist

Answer 6

typically involves binding to a receptor and activating it - mimicking a neurotransmitter

Question 7

what is an antagonist

Answer 7

typically involves binding to a receptor and not activating it - blocking a neurotransmitter

Question 8

what are autoreceptors

Answer 8

allow the neuron to self-regulate releasing or not releasing so things don’t get flooded
- they’re like a thermostat for a heating system
- trying to keep things in a normal range

Question 9

what did Gerra et al 200 find

Answer 9

• evidence for neurochemicals in addiction
• Prolactin